Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne hadn't experienced the rush of doing manual labor in forever.

Living with Murray for those years, she didn't have the maids waiting on hand and foot, but she steered clear of any heavy lifting. Even in the early days, when Murray's startup was getting off the ground when money was tight, they still had a cleaning lady come weekly for the house chores.

After finishing a can of paint, Roseanne stretched her aching back. Being pampered for years had made her soft. She went to the hallway, planning to bring in the rest of the paint.

But, in her haste, she knocked over the can. Though she acted quickly, a small spill still spread on her next-door neighbor's doorstep. She grabbed a mop instantly, but as she was halfway through cleaning, the previously shut door suddenly opened.

Their eyes met, and as she was about to apologize, she found herself face-to-face with a familiar person.

"You live here?"

"Owen?"

spoke at the

glanced at the mess at his feet, then back

coincidence. "As you can see, we're neighbors

gaze shifted subtly. He had chosen to live there because it was close to the lab and university,

for a young woman, not least because of the lack of an elevator, which

in the hallway. "Sorry about the mess with the paint. I'll have

cleaning and finished quickly. She pointed to the trash by Owen's side as she headed downstairs. "I'm heading down. Let me take that out for you." Owen didn't refuse. In

Roseanne smiled. "Thanks."

her apartment. It looked clean and orderly in no time. Later, she picked a new sofa and dining set, giving the room a light

the lamps transformed the once-dingy

boasted her favorite light-colored cotton duvet cover on the bed, which smelled

bought in the afternoon were lined up